Chapter 14 - Kindness is Your Blade

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Idol AU or High School AU for my next special chapter? Vote in the comments!!

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"I must say, you possess an exceptional knowledge of the social hierarchy and political system of Snezhnaya," the Tsaritsa commended. "Well done. You did excellent work, my dear child."

"Your Imperial Majesty, you are far too compassionate. I couldn't have done anything without the graciousness of Lord Scaramouche."

Scaramouche shot me a "someday I am going to murder you and I will enjoy myself while doing so" look.

The Tsaritsa summoned an envelope. "As a gesture of gratitude and compensation for their son's unruly behavior, the Vitsky House offers three million Mora and 6 barrels of their finest wine."

Three million Mora . . .

"Your Imperial Majesty, I ask for your permission to travel to the impoverished districts tomorrow," I declared. "I would like to use the money to help others rather than gamble it away."

It was my way of defying the aristocracy, showing the Vitsky family that I considered their present utterly worthless, informing them that I was very much aware of their flimsy attempt to curry favor with the Harbingers. And yet, in the eyes of the people, I would be viewed as an angel.

"I allow it," the Tsaritsa sighed, handing the scroll to a Fatui soldier. "However, bear in mind that the debutante ball shall be upon us in a fortnight's time. The ball will take place in the Grand Ballroom in the northern wing of the palace. As per tradition, you will be overseeing the preparation along with La Signora, and each invitation must be handwritten in your pen. You are no longer an ordinary citizen, Columbina. You are the face of this nation, you are whom I have accepted as my own daughter, and from now onward, you are my shadow on the battlefield."

I nodded in agreement. "I thank you, Your Imperial Majesty. I shall take your wisdom to heart. If you would be so kind, Lord Scaramouche and I will take our leave. I wish you the best, as always, Your Imperial Majesty."

Scaramouche made his way towards the door, and I quickened my pace to meet him.

"Come to think of it, that was the first time we fought alongside one another, Lord Scaramouche," I noted, thanking the guard who opened the door for us. "I look forward to more and more memories to come!"

He eyed me warily.

"Don't be so cold, Lord Scaramouche," I teased. "Let's be friends, okay?"

"Leave."

Chuckling, I fiddled with the ribbon securing my braid.

"Good night, Lord Scaramouche. May your dreams be as sweet as acacia honey."

"May you be killed in your sleep."

"How rude~" I whined cheekily, humming as I walked to my room.

As soon as Scaramouche was out of sight, my smile faded, a certain coldness filling my eyes.

Forgive me, Your Eternal Excellency, the Almighty Raiden Shogun, for my disloyalty. Lend me your strength, and I shall present to you tenfold of what you desire.

I would sooner take my own life than return to you empty-handed.

Opening the door to my bedroom, I dismissed all the maids with a flick of my hand, standing in front of the mirror.

I stared at my reflection blankly.

"You have skin like porcelain, hair like woven silver, eyes like amethyst, and a soul as pristine as glass," my mother said, helping me into my kimono. "You are a special child, blessed by the gods. But when you pick up your blade, I want you to remember, Kamisato Rin, my beloved daughter, that your heart is the most powerful thing you have. Your heart is selfless, your heart is beautiful, your heart is terrifying. Remember this, and use your blessing for the good of others."

𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜'𝙨 𝙜𝙡𝙤𝙬 // scaramouche x ocWhere stories live. Discover now